The Magpies had suffered four straight defeats in the league before their 3-0 victory over Wigan at St. James' Park on Monday night, leaving them within just two points of the relegation zone.

However, a double from Ba - bringing him level with the Premier League's leading goalscorers Robin van Persie, Michu and Luis Suarez with 10 so far this campaign - guided his team to a much-need victory.

He told the club's official website "It's not too bad so far, 10 goals in I don't know how many games."

"I will just keep on doing my work and if it comes, it comes; if it doesn't, it doesn't matter as long as we win."

The Senegal international's future on Tyneside was in doubt over the summer after a £7 million buy-out clause was revealed in the media, and manager Alan Pardew revealed after the game that contract negotiations are ongoing with the striker – but a January exit is not inconceivable.